Doulas in South Australia
A doula is someone who is educated to provide emotional and practical support for women and their families during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. They may provide this care in the hospital or the home.
Medical research shows that the additional emotional, physical and practical support provided by doulas shortens the labour process, reduces caesarean section rates and has a positive effect on breastfeeding success. A recent research article in the leading journal, Birth (2008: 35, pages:92-7) concluded that ""Continuous labor support by a doula is a risk-free obstetric technique that could benefit all laboring women and should be made available in all maternity units". Doula support was found to reduce caesarean and epidural rates (13% compared with 25%; and 64% compared with 76%) for first-time middle-income mothers in the USA who were accompanied during their labour/birth by their male partner. For women with induced labor, just 12.5% with a doula had a cesarean, compared with 58.8% of those without a doula. Based on these findings, the study also suggested that fathers should not be expected to fulfill the role of primary labor companion.
The following eleven doulas provide services in various areas of South Australia:
- Paula BRUCKARD - Myrtle Bank Phone: Mobile 0411 983 723, Email paulabruckard@hotmail.com (Also does Calmbirth courses, Beer+Bubs workshops for Dads, plus pre-natal and mum + bub yoga).
- Natasha CHANT - Semaphore Phone: Mobile 0433 100 242, Email natasha@yourbirth.com.au
- Emily CLEMENTS-PORTEOUS "Helping Hands Doula Service" - Victor Harbor Email helpinghands@internode.on.net Phone: 08 8552 8271, Mobile 0419 867 997
- Kirsten FORRESTER "Tummy to Mummy" Doula Services - Barossa and surrounding regions Phone: 0438 807 858 Email doula@tummytomummy.com.au Website www.tummytomummy.com.au
- Julia FRY - (Alice Springs) Phone: 040 772 4628
- Jane HAWKINS - Gawler South Phone: 0406 430 919
- Helen HRISKIN "Belly Birth and Beyond Doula Services - Stepney" (Also Beer+Bubs workshops for Dads, qualified Massage Practitioner Pre and Post Natal, and Fitness Leader/Instructor Pre and Post Natal) Email helen@bellybirthandbeyond.com.au Phone: 0412 225 532 A/H Fax 08 8367 8548)
- Jane IRELAND Nurturing Births Doula Services - Cowandilla Phone: 0402 473 712 Email nurturingbirths@iprimus.com.au Phone 8234 6972 Mobile 0402 473 712. (VBAC experienced)
- Emma KINGSFORD-SMITH - Adelaide (city) Phone: 7000 0843 Mobile: 0404 388 284
- Angela LAMBE - Limestone Coast Phone: 0434 571 517
- Melissa SERAFIN "Belly2Birth Doula Services" - Loxton and Riverland Email belly2birth@dodo.com.au, Phone: 043 841 3869
- Marcia STILLWELL "Peace of Mind Doula Services" - Stirling Phone: 08 8339 6760, Mobile 0415 746 920, Email marciastillwell@hotmail.com
- Jen WATKINS - AldgatePhone: 8339 7543, Mobile: 0402 082 169, Email jenwatkins@internode.on.net
- (Luci BUBNER - Henley Beach - not currently taking clients) Phone: Mobile 0417 877 708, Email doulaluci@optusnet.com.au
The following doulas are currently in training, and are available to attend births as a trainee:
- Kellie CLARK - Clapham Phone: 0407 112 799
- Katie-Lee PEARCE - Quorn (Flinders Ranges), PO Box 148 QUORN SA 5433, Phone: 0429 783 009, Email nickkatie@bigpond.com
- Bronni SIMPSON - Mitcham Phone: 0402 423 103
- Saffron SIMPSON - Willunga Phone: Mobile 040 915 607
For further information on these and other doulas in South Australia visit the website of Doulas of South Australia or for doulas in other states/territories visit Find A Doula